Direct Payments Audit Officer at Manchester City Council

About The Role
Working hours: 17.5 hours per week
Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
 This role is subject to:

• Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
• 2 references - where possible, we require 3 years' history
• BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance - this post is subject to BPSS checks. You will therefore be required to consent to and comply with BPSS checking requirements prior to commencing in this post. This check involves verification of identity; nationality and immigration status; employment history (past 3 years) and basic criminal record check.  
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.
• We are seeking a proactive and detail‑focused individual to join our Direct Payments Audit Team, delivering a high‑quality customer‑centred audit service for adults in receipt of Direct Payments for Social Care. 
• In this role, you will carry out accurate, timely and robust audits of customer Direct Payments, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and guidance. You will work to clear deadlines and will play a key part in maintaining high audit standards across the service. 
• You will liaise with colleagues across Manchester City Council, external professionals and customers, providing clear and professional communication to support effective case management and uphold excellent customer‑care principles. 
• You will respond to queries from a wide range of stakeholders including social workers, customers, internal teams and external organisations. Strong administrative, IT and financial skills are essential, as you will be responsible for maintaining ICT systems and financial records to a high standard. 

This is a part‑time position (17.5 hours per week) with flexible hybrid working arrangements, involving both office‑based and home working. The weekly working pattern can be negotiated with the successful candidate. 

We are looking for a candidate who can confidently bring together strong financial, administrative and investigative capabilities. You will: 

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, building positive working relationships and delivering a high standard of customer care. 
• Manage your workload effectively, prioritising tasks to meet deadlines and maintain accuracy and quality. 
• Be confident and proactive in resolving queries, taking ownership of tasks and interpreting rules, policy and guidance. 
• Have the ability to investigate, interrogate and challenge financial information from multiple sources, carrying out thorough audits and reporting outcomes clearly. 
• Be proficient in using multiple applications, systems and software packages, and maintaining organised, reliable and accessible records. 
• Have strong literacy and numeracy skills, with excellent attention to detail for preparing documentation, undertaking calculations and ensuring accuracy in financial monitoring. 
• Be flexible and adaptable to meet service needs. 
• Show a willingness to undertake any required training to support your development.

Benefits we offer 

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events. 
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

End Date; 19th Of March 2026